Phuket warns beachgoers about stinging jellyfish as surf rescues continue

Marine authorities have warned beachgoers in Phuket to avoid stinging jellyfish during the monsoon season, with warning signs and bottles of vinegar placed along beaches.

The Marine and Coastal Resources Office No. 9 issued the warning after briefing tourists, beach vendors and local administrative officials on jellyfish risks and first aid. Beachgoers have been told not to touch jellyfish, including specimens washed ashore or apparently dead, because their stinging cells may remain active.

Anyone stung should leave the water immediately and seek help from officials. The affected area should not be rubbed or scrubbed, and fresh water should not be poured over the sting. For suspected stings from highly dangerous species, including box jellyfish, people should call the emergency medical services number 1669 and follow medical professionals’ instructions. The office said whether vinegar should be used depends on the species and applicable first-aid guidance.

Patong Beach has reopened most swimming areas as the tourist season begins. Patong lifeguards reported generally calm seas and no incidents involving tourists caught in rip currents during the first half of October, but said jellyfish numbers were higher than usual.

Lifeguards urged swimmers to exercise caution and contact them if they need assistance. They said red-flagged areas must be avoided regardless of conditions elsewhere along the beach. Patong lifeguards and Patong Municipality also planned to install floating buoy lines the following week to mark designated swimming areas.

Freedom Beach remains closed to swimming because of strong currents. Visitors have been asked to wait for a safety announcement from Patong Municipality, while lifeguards warned that some tourists were continuing to enter the water despite the restriction.

Patong lifeguards recorded 34 incidents involving people caught in currents or rip currents in September. One was a critical case requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced medical assistance before the person was taken to Patong Hospital.

Lifeguards also provided first aid in 11 cases involving marine-animal stings, including jellyfish and sea urchins. Other incidents included three surfboard-related injuries, one involving a dislocated shoulder, and one water-sports injury. The report recorded two cases requiring first aid for injuries on land.

The September summary listed 56 routine incidents, six involving moderate injuries and one involving serious injuries. It also recorded one fatality involving a person who collapsed in the sea.